Prime minister Theresa May has made a surprise announcement calling for an early general election on 8 June, despite previous claims that she was against the idea of a vote before 2020.
Standing in front of Downing Street she said she had only 'recently and reluctantly' come to the conclusion that she must call a snap vote.
Making no bones about her battle lines, Ms May sent out a message that the general election would be about Brexit and leadership.
'Our opponents believe that because the Government majority is so small that our resolve will weaken and they can force us to change our course. They are wrong. They underestimate our resolve to get the job done.
'If we do not hold a general election now their political game playing will continue and the negotiations with the EU will reach their most difficult stage in the run up to the next scheduled election. Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability in the country. So we need a general election and we need one now.'
She added that the election 'will be all about leadership', which is seen as a weakness of her rival Jeremy Corbyn.
She attempted to checkmate the opposition parties over their resistance to the Government's Brexit plans by offering them the chance to stand against the outcome of the referendum.
'You have criticised Government, challenged our objectives, threatened to block legislation before Parliament. This is your moment to show that you mean it. To show you do not treat politics as a game.'
However Ms May was against Brexit herself and is in the peculiar situation of trying to win a greater majority and a mandate to deliver a policy she opposed.
Labour leader Mr Corbyn welcomed the decision stating he would put the interests of the majority first.
Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, said: 'Every step of the way Labour has sought to put the national interest first and to build a national consensus around our future relationship with the EU – not as members, but as partners.
'That is why Labour did not frustrate the article 50 process in parliament. It is why Labour has set six tests for the final Brexit deal that would deliver the best possible deal for everyone in Britain, whether they voted remain or leave.
'This general election is a result of the prime minister’s failure to build a national consensus. It is also an opportunity for Labour to set out an inclusive, progressive and ambitious future for Britain.'
The election will for the first time in over generation give a clear choice on public ownership of the rail network. Labour has called for the nationalisation of the railways, a policy that has enjoyed majority support in some recent polls. Widespread local bus franchise powers are also likely if Labour win.
Tomorrow, the prime minister will put a motion in the House of Commons calling for the election. Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act it will require a two thirds majority in the Commons.
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